South African Library Week 2024 Theme:

   Libraries Foster Social Cohesion

South African Library Week 2024 Dates:

     18 - 24 March 2024

#salw2024

SALW 2024 Downloads

Poster (Print it yourself | Have it professionally printed)

Bookmark (Print it yourself | Have it professionally printed)

Virtual Background (Zoom | MS Teams)

Social Media (Facebook Header | Instagram Post | Twitter Header)

  Media Release (Click Here)

  Lauch Programme (Click Here)

SALW 2024 in the Media

SALW in SAA Sawubona Magazine (Read it Here)

SALW in Sunday Times (Read it Here)

SALW in Fly Safair Magazine (Read it Here)

Brand Stories Click (Here) and (Here)

Digimag (Read it Here)

South African Library Week 2024 Rationale

LIASA invites you to join us in celebrating South African Library Week (SALW) 2024 under the theme “Libraries Foster Social Cohesion”. The theme underscores the crucial role libraries play in uniting communities as they serve as hubs where people from diverse backgrounds can come together to exchange ideas, and to learn and engage in cultural and intellectual activities. By providing access to information, technology, resources and programmes, libraries broaden horizons, connect individuals, and foster a shared sense of purpose and identity. They also provide safe spaces for marginalised communities to address social and development issues, share experiences and thus promote social cohesion.

South African Library Week will be celebrated from 18-24 March 2024.

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture defines social cohesion as “the degree of social integration and inclusion in communities and society at large, and the extent to which mutual solidarity finds expression itself among individuals and communities”. Libraries as community institutions are central to achieving this ideal.

1. Libraries stimulate social cohesion by fostering inclusivity.

Inclusivity is a hallmark of libraries, where everyone is welcome, fostering connections and trust among diverse societal groups. Libraries thus play an instrumental role in social cohesion by enabling informed community participation, stimulating dialogue, and promoting mutual respect among people from diverse backgrounds. They tailor their services to meet community needs, promote lifelong learning and support literacy development.

2. Libraries advance social cohesion by supporting the sustainable development goals.

SDG 4: Quality Education; SDG 11: Sustainable cities and communities.

Libraries play a critical role in fostering social cohesion through supporting initiatives and programmes that seek to assist in meeting the sustainable development goals, and in this way address global and national developmental challenges. They provide access to information and contribute to addressing socio-economic disparities, climate justice and environmental awareness, among others.

3. Libraries nurture social cohesion through education.

Libraries actively contribute to nurturing social cohesion by offering educational programmes that strengthen the social fabric of communities. Through these programmes, libraries promote an understanding of diverse cultures, histories, local history, and traditions; encourage tolerance, and enhance literacy skills which are all essential for social cohesion.

4. Libraries facilitate social cohesion through information technology.

Libraries bridge the digital divide through providing access to information and communication technologies and engaging communities through social media and online platforms. They empower individuals and communities by building inter-connected and inclusive societies.

The launch will take place on Friday 15 March 2024 at the South African Library for the Blind, Makhanda, in the Eastern Cape.

Without the generosity of the sponsors this event will not be possible
Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
Sabinet

SALB

NLSA